Packing for a cruise sometimes feels like solving a puzzle. The goal is to have everything you need without overloading your suitcase. A little strategy goes a long way in making sure your vacation starts stress free.
Keep important items in your carry-on
When you first board, your checked luggage may take several hours to arrive at your cabin. Keep essentials like sunscreen, swimwear and important documents in your carry-on bag so you can start enjoying your cruise immediately. Your medication, passport, boarding documents and any visas should stay with you at all times when traveling as a general rule.
This also applies when returning home. Keeping valuables in your carry-on ensures they do not get damaged or misplaced during the luggage transfer process, either at the ship’s port or airport.
Light the way at night
Cabin layouts vary, but on many ships, the bathroom light switch is located outside the door. That can be a rude awakening for anyone sharing the room if you flip it on in the middle of the night.
A battery-operated tea light is a small but effective solution. Place a few inside the bathroom before bed so you can find your way without disturbing anyone. These small lights take up almost no space in your bag and have the added bonus of working as nightlights in unfamiliar hotel rooms during pre- or post-cruise stays.
Hydration on the go
A collapsible silicone water bottle is one of the most useful things you can bring. It allows you to refill throughout the day, keeps your drink cold and folds down flat when empty. Ships often have drink stations, but cups are usually small and easily spilled.
Staying hydrated is especially important when spending time in the sun or engaging in active excursions. A refillable bottle also reduces single-use plastic waste, which aligns with many cruise lines’ environmental initiatives.
Keep your room key handy
Your cruise card is the key to your cabin, your onboard ID and often your method of payment for purchases. A lanyard or bracelet with a lobster clip makes it easy to keep this card accessible. Some passengers prefer lanyards with a clear sleeve so the card is protected but still visible. However, you have to remove it to swipe to get on and off the ship and anytime you make a purchase.
This small item can save you from constantly searching through your pockets or bag. It is especially useful on pool days when you may not have many pockets to work with.
Protect your luggage tags
Cruise lines use specific luggage tags that identify your cabin and help staff deliver your bag. You print these tags at home, then staple them to your luggage, but that doesn’t always work. Plastic cruise tag holders keep them safe from tearing or getting wet, which is especially important when bags are moved on and off the ship in unpredictable weather.
Reusable holders also make it easier to spot your luggage in a crowded terminal. Many are designed to fit the exact size of major cruise line tags, so get the right type for your sailing.
Look good at night
On a cruise, you often dress up in the evenings, especially if there is an elegant night. Unless you’re planning to go to the buffet, a swimsuit and cover-up won’t cut it at dinner. Even cotton can wrinkle, but linen and silk can be a real challenge since you can’t bring an iron or steamer on the majority of cruise ships.
“I always pack a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release for the nights I forget to ask the butler to press my dress. It saves linen in a pinch.”
— Casandra Karpiak, Luxury travel journalist
Just remember that in addition to irons, cruise ships prohibit aerosol sprays. If you bring wrinkle release, make sure it’s in a pump bottle so it doesn’t get taken away when you board.
Items you should leave at home
Not everything belongs in your suitcase or on your cruise. Illegal items are an obvious no, but there are other things you may not realize are prohibited. Many cruise lines no longer allow portable Bluetooth speakers to help maintain a peaceful environment. Hair dryers, irons and other heating devices are often banned due to fire safety concerns.
While cruises provide food for you all the time, you may have some comfort foods or snacks that you want to bring. While you can bring sealed snacks aboard for days when you have excursions or if you have a sensitive eater, you cannot bring animal products, fresh fruits or vegetables or unsealed products.
Alcohol rules vary by line, but a common policy allows each adult to bring one or two bottles of wine or champagne. Beer and hard liquor are typically not permitted, and if you try to bring them on board, they will be held until the end of the cruise.
Many cruise lines offer drink packages, but you are also generally able to bring a limited amount of canned non-alcoholic beverages. Always check your cruise line’s policies before packing.
Pack for excursions
Your cruise experience goes beyond the ship itself. At each port, you can choose shore excursions that range from walking tours to snorkeling adventures, so figure out if any require special items. Lightweight backpacks, comfortable walking shoes, water shoes and quick-dry clothing are good staples.
Some ports have cultural dress expectations, especially when visiting religious sites. Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders or knees when needed. Bringing appropriate clothing ensures respectful and comfortable experiences off the ship.
Bring a few just-in-case items
While ships have shops, they have limited selection and generally sky-high prices. Consider bringing over-the-counter medications for seasickness, pain relief or minor stomach issues. A small first-aid kit with bandages for blisters or small accidents, plus antibiotic ointment, may come in handy.
While today’s cruise ships have fantastic stabilizers to keep sailing smoothly, many passengers still suffer from motion sickness. There are all sorts of seasickness remedies that work, from scopolamine patches prescribed by your doctor to ginger gum and acupressure bands.
Bring magnetic hooks
With limited storage space in many cabins, you can create extra storage with magnetic hooks. Cruise ships tend to have walls made of metal where you can place your hooks to hold everything from purses and backpacks to hats and keep them out of the way.
“I love packing magnetic hooks for cruises. The rooms don’t always have a lot of storage, so it helps for hanging clothes or wet bathing suits.”
— Karen Kelly, Seasonal Cravings
Pack for success
Packing smart for a cruise means finding a balance between being prepared and keeping your luggage manageable. By focusing on versatile, space-saving items and avoiding prohibited goods, you can streamline your embarkation and make your time at sea more enjoyable. With the right preparation, your trip can start smoothly the moment you step aboard.
Michelle Price is a travel writer at Honest and Truly Travels who almost has an empty nest. She’s been traveling the world since her first flight to Hawaii at six months old and loves to provide both the inspiration and the confidence you need to help get you on the road to enjoy new flavors and experiences.